As the third month of military operations begins, the NATO-led efforts to protect civilians in Libya are subject to a vast array of questions. The most important is whether political leaders are fully cognizant of the inherent limits of military force in achieving humanitarian goals. Whether it is called “kinetic military action” or “war,” all combat is subject to fog and friction in a contest of wills — even when the ultimate purpose is defending innocent bystanders. (more…)

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s military chief denounced terrorists as enemies of the country and Islam, but warned his officers Monday to avoid killing civilians as they widen their operations against the Taliban. (more…)

Pakistan Angry as Strike by U.S. Kills 11 Soldiers
By CARLOTTA GALL and ERIC SCHMITT

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — American air and artillery strikes killed 11 Pakistani paramilitary soldiers during a clash with insurgents on the Afghan border on Tuesday night, a development that raised concerns about the already strained American relationship with Pakistan.

The strikes underscored the often faulty communications involving American, Pakistani and Afghan forces along the border, and the ability of Taliban fighters and other insurgents to use havens in Pakistan to carry out attacks into neighboring Afghanistan. (more…)